The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-09-01
ONLY THE BEGINNING.
The Dawn OF the Bluff Cit>'s Great.
ness Yet In Its Infancy.
Volume and Beneficial Effect Of the
Movement In Real Estate,
AID Hts Fature.

During the past spring and sum
mer the real estate busip ess of
Memphis was active to u de gree that
astonished the older class Of natives.
Property heretofore c. ,psidered at
the top notch at from e TO SIS per
front foot got a me ,ve on it" and
rose to double, a ad in some in.
stances treble th cse figures. The
purchasers accep red those figures as
q great bargain, and held on until
fvreign capital came in and relieved
them at me .fked advance. SO ex-
tensive and thriving did the occupa-
ton OF ha' sdliug dirt become that
young M ca and old gave up their
slow re- urn calling and embarked as
real e Itate agents. Fortunate own:
ers Of suburban tracts subdivided
the m into building lots, arranged
af Iys for auction sales with barbecue
attachments, established temporary
lines OF omnibus transportation and
sold out at handsome profit. The
season of hustling and enterprise
was not an inflated one that soon
collapsed, but continued uninter
ruptedly until the moving spirits took
unto themselves wings and sailed
away to health resorts for brief
period of rest and recreation.
- Through the city press and by
means OF private correspondence
Memphis and its commanding
position, with unapproachable ad-
vantages, became household words
throughout the entire country, and
even spread to some portions OF
Europe. Men with thousands of
capital lying idle, accumulated in
Northern and Eastern cities whose
greatness had departed, caught the
enthusiasm OF new life, energy and
ambition, took the FIRST train and
Landed within the gates OF the Bluff
City. Once here, probably for the
frst time, they surveyed the field tor
inviting prospects and invariably
surrendered. Singular II may be 10
some less fortunate Southern cities
that fell into the procession aud
made encouraging progress, not a
single case is reported OF failure TO
grasp the opportunity Tor property In
the city or suburbs. They came
wit a great expectations aud we're not
disappointed. All representations
we're found correct an true TO the
line, with leaning toward mildness.
Realizing the necessity Tor some
thing more substantial than a mere
boom on paper" attention was
directed to drawing manuiuctur-
ers. PROPOSE ions to donate tracts
for sites went forth broad
cast, bringing hopeful replies from
many quarters. All this served a. a
stimulus 10 the activity. giving, as il
did, the ring Of true metal. As q
result Of all this, the APPEAL conf
IDENTIFY asserts that at 20 distant day
Memphis will become a known anc
recognized manufacturing center, II
all that term implies. Home capita
stands ready 10 welcome. eneourg'
and assist that from abroad, and the
latter clearly sees and appreciates
wisdom OF the invitation to come
Greatness for the city is yet in its In
fancy. Men feel aud know II, ant
will leave no effort unmaie 20 hasteI
the day for its full realization.
Now, what are the figures TO sub
stantiate this glorious announcement
and prophecy? Since September ]
1885, the records OF the register AM
County Court clerk show the yalu
OF real estate transfers TO have beef
s5,725,970. The vast majority Of thi
has been in the suburbs, or buildinI
up waste places. The heart Of III
city remains almost undis
turbed by the movement, so far q
ownership is concerned, but not j
increased valuation. Property al
around has kept paca 10 the upwar'
tendency By it the city has gaiDe'
two dummy railroad lines, with on
or two more in embryo aud likely {
become realities aUy day, beside at
tracing three or more iull iledge,
broad gauge railways. Population
has been gained by the Thousands
home folk are more determined, en-
ergetic and wide awake--in shorl
the city has taken n firm grasp o
the influence that brings expansion
growth and development Of a soil
character. And the dawn Of all thi